As Concerns Mount, Frost Calls On Orange County Supervisor of Elections to Meet with Elected Leaders and Release Detailed Plan Ahead of November Election
Frost Cites Issues with Candidate Filing and Potential Voter Confusion Over New Precincts
WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, with the support of 13 local leaders across Central Florida, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) sent a letter to the newly appointed Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Glen Gilzean following mounting concerns over public confusion and delays related to the upcoming November elections.
In the letter, Congressman Frost cites confusion among voters as the new SOE has announced plans to create four new voting precincts and adjust two existing boundaries which will have an impact on 25,000 voters who seemingly will have very little awareness of the changes in their ability to vote.
Frost also cites a massive decline in the SOE office’s ability to certify and process petition signatures for candidates attempting to get on the ballot in Central Florida as the typical 48-hour turnaround has turned into a weeks-long process.
Congressman Frost acknowledges that while Members of Congress do not typically engage with supervisors of elections in this manner, the growing number of concerns over lack of transparency and a clear vision from the Office of the Supervisor of Elections made this good faith effort to collaborate a necessity.
The Congressman is calling on the Supervisor Gilzean to come to the table and meet with stakeholders and elected officials to usher transparency ahead of the November elections and formulate a plan to ensure every Central Floridian who can vote, is given the tools and information they need to cast their ballot and make their voice heard.
“Changes in the Office of the Orange County Supervisor of Elections could jeopardize the freeness and fairness of the upcoming general election in November if candidates – of any party – are de facto barred from filing for free and risk tens of thousands of voters getting turned away at the ballot box on election day,” wrote Rep. Frost. “The cornerstone of our democracy is the confidence that every eligible voter can participate in the electoral process without undue hindrance or delay. As an elected representative of the people of Orange County and a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Accountability, it is my duty to ensure every citizen's right to vote is protected and that our elections are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and transparency.”
Congressman Frost’s letter is also being backed by local leaders including –
State Sen. Geraldine Thompson
State Sen. Victor Torres
State Rep. Anna Eskamani
State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis
State Rep. Rita Harris
State Rep. Johanna Lopez
Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado
Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph
Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell
Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Orange County Commissioner Michael Scott
Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson
City of Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns
In part, the local leaders say:
“As the official who submits more than 80% of all voter registrations through Motor Voter, it’s imperative that voters have confidence that every one involved in the election process cares about making voting easy and accessible and fair to all candidates,” said Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph.
“The integrity of our electoral process is non-negotiable. We are deeply troubled by the operational shortcomings and lack of transparency that have cast a shadow over our democratic process,” said State. Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis. “Voting is the bedrock of our democracy, and any failure that jeopardizes voter access or undermines the fairness of our elections is unacceptable. It is imperative that these serious concerns are addressed immediately to restore public confidence and ensure that every citizen's right to participate in a free and fair election is protected. We demand immediate action and accountability to uphold the principles we cherish as a democratic society.”
“It is deeply concerning that numerous adversaries are actively attempting to halt the establishment of a rural boundary—an initiative that our citizens have diligently pursued for many years and are now nearing completion. We urge Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean to uphold democratic principles and enable the community to cast their votes on this critical matter this November,” said Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla.
“I am eager to hear more about the plans Mr. Gilzean has to ensure that Orange County continues to have efficient, secure, and transparent elections,” said Orange County Commissioner Michael Scott.
“Voters and candidates should trust the electoral process. The Supervisor of Elections must ensure compliance with laws and have the faith of voters, candidates and elected officials behind them. I look forward to partnering with Supervisor Gilzean to educate all communities about civic engagement and ensure that voters can easily cast their votes in November's general election,” said City of Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns.
For the full text of the letter, please click here.
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